Yogurt has many known health benefits, but it is continuing to gain ground for its beauty benefits. The active live cultures, probiotic bacterial cultures, are responsible for most of the benefits. Probiotics are living microorganisms, or “good bacteria”, found in most yogurt. Eating yogurt has been shown to promote healthy levels of good bacteria, supporting digestive health, improving immune system functioning and preventing imbalances in the body’s yeast levels. More recently, yogurt has also been linked to promoting healthy skin and hair.

Danone recently launched a cosmetic yogurt in France. A clinical study determined that daily consumption of Essensis, the cosmetic yogurt, improved the quality of the skin. Study participants linked healthier skin to more beautiful skin. The yogurt is said to nourish skin from within, creating a radiant complexion. Along with the probiotics, Essensis is also formulated with borage, green tea, and vitamin E, all incorporated into the product for their nutritional and antioxidant properties.

The word is out about the benefits of yogurt and probiotics. The Mintel Cosmetic Research database shows that products using yogurt and probiotic actives are one of the newest emerging ingredient trends for skin care and hair care products. Bioelements, Davines, Korres, and Goldwell all have products that contain a form of the ingredient.

Bioelements believes that probiotic actives can be effective in the fight against aging. Their product, Probotix Anti-Aging Serum uses probiotic actives immersed in milk proteins to regain the skin’s natural microflora balance. Bioelements claims that Probotix helps stabilize the skin’s immune system to reduce future signs of aging. Studies have shown that eating probiotic yogurt will give the immune system a boost, which makes this claim more interesting.

Korres decided to use yogurt in its product due to the ingredient's levels of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins. In Greece, yogurt has long been used as a home remedy for sunburn because of its soothing and moisturizing abilities. The company’s researchers and developers used this knowledge to formulate Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel. The company did not use yogurt powder so it could maintain the live cultures in the yogurt. The company, therefore, had the challenge of formulating a product around a yogurt base, being careful not to spoil the yogurt’s unique properties. The yogurt in the product is said to instantly relieve UV-induced redness and the sensation of burning. It also is said to increase the water content on the top layers of the skin.

Davines developed the Well Being System with yogurt powder to moisturize and strengthen the hair. The system was designed to protect the hair against the harmful effects of the sun, sea and pool. The products in the range include Well Being De Stress Yogurt Buffer Gel, Well Being De Stress Muesli & Yogurt Shampoo and Well Being De Stress Crème Yogurt Conditioner. The products are intended for use during the summer months, as they are said to protect the hair from even the most severe environmental stress.

Goldwell conceived their exclusive Y-Shine Complex using yogurtene, panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and care polymers. The yogurtene was derived from yogurt and is used to improve moisture retention. The Y-Shine Complex, containing yogurt powder, is used in many of their products; however, Goldwell Care Moisture Intense Treatment and Care Color Intense Treatment are standouts due to their formulations.

The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. The Mintel Cosmetic Research Database tracks mass market and luxury cosmetic innovations in France and the United States. For additional information regarding either Mintel GNPD or Mintel Cosmetic Research, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel International at 312-932-0600.